Politicians comment on Charlottesville

NORWALK, Conn. – These are a press releases, presented in the format in which they were sent:

Gov. Malloy statement on this weekend’s events in Charlottesville

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy released the following statement regarding this weekend’s events in Charlottesville, Virginia:“As an American, I am disgusted by the violence incited and perpetrated in Charlottesville. The hatred and xenophobia of white nationalists is sickening, and the loss of a life is beyond tragic.

“What’s also tragic and unacceptable is the silent complicity from the highest office in our land. This horror is not being wrought from ‘many sides,’ as the President says. It is coming from one side, and the President has never unequivocally denounced that side throughout his campaign or presidency. Instead, he has incited violence in his speeches, sought to divide people, diminished the rights of minority groups, and instigated fear.

“Compassionate, sensible individuals cannot remain silent in these moments. We must combat this hatred in every form.”

Murphy statement on Neo-Nazi rally in Charlottesville

HARTFORD – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released a statement on the “Unite the Right” Rally, a gathering of white nationalists and neo-Nazis, in Charlottesville, Virginia.

“What has happened in Charlottesville over the last 24 hours should be a call to action for every American who has grown complacent under the assumption that our nation’s moral arc naturally bends toward inclusion and tolerance,” said Murphy. “Racism, anti-Semitism and homophobia are tragically alive and well in America today. And make no mistake – these insidious psychologies have been given license to be brought out in the open air by a president that openly seized upon these hatreds during his campaign, and continues to traffic in divisive rhetoric and hateful policies in the White House.

Murphy continued, “Today, every leader of national or local significance must condemn the neo-Nazi rallies in Virginia, and the attack on counter-protesters, in the loudest and most unconditional terms. Ours is a nation whose greatness has been forged in the tough work of binding together peoples of different skin color, national origin, religion, and sexual orientation into one great powerful whole. Silence or weak condemnation will be rightly read as complicity with this newly emboldened racist movement. Further, as images travel the globe of what are reportedly anti-black, anti-Jew militias patrolling the streets of Charlottesville who are masquerading as law enforcement and brandishing military grade tactical weaponry, we need to take stock of whether our laws meet the new public safety challenges that confront our nation.”

Chris Mattei Statement on Attack in Charlottesville

Hartford, CT – Former federal prosecutor Chris Mattei issued the following statement on the events in Charlottesville today:

“Today, in Charlottesville, we’re seeing the culmination of 18 months in which Donald Trump stoked racial resentment, disparaged minority and immigrant groups, openly courted white nationalists and urged violence at his rallies. Donald Trump did not create these people or their racism. But, he has emboldened them. He has given them a platform. He has invited them in and made them feel welcome. And, even today, he refused to unequivocally condemn them.

“As a federal prosecutor, I investigated civil rights violations. The attack in Virginia appears to be an act of domestic terrorism that has killed 1 and injured 19. If that is the case, our civil rights laws and hate crimes laws must be enforced swiftly. I urge the United States Department of Justice to open an investigation immediately. And, if the evidence is as it appears, to prosecute those responsible for this violence to the fullest extent of the law.

“Finally, to all those who feel afraid, angry or saddened by these events, understand that the white supremacists’ cause to claim America for themselves and to exclude all others has already been lost. My family and yours are proof of that. E Pluribus Unum, From Many One.

“Let us make sure our response is more than outrage. It must be action that reflects our love and care for each other. Please give today to the NAACP, the Anti-Defamation League, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Muslim Advocates or other organizations that fight for a diverse and just America so we can build these institutions of our civil society.”

This press release was posted as a public service. A press release is a written announcement submitted to news organizations to publicize an event or activity, a milestone or a point of view. NancyOnNorwalk has not researched the assertions made and takes no responsibility for the content.

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